Title
Growth monitoring and diagnostic work-up of short stature: An International Inventorization
Author
Grote, F.K.
Oostdijk, W.
de Muinck Keizer-Schrama, S.M.P.F.
Dekker, F.W.
Verkerk, P.H.
Wit, J.M.
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
KvL
Publication year
2005
Abstract
Background/Aims: Growth monitoring is almost universally performed, but few data are available on which referral criteria and diagnostic work-up are used worldwide for children with short stature. Methods: A short questionnaire, containing questions on auxological screening and on diagnostic criteria for short stature, was sent to all members of the European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and to several pediatric endocrinologists outside Europe. Results: Responses were received from 36 countries. In 27 (75%) a child health care program existed and in 14 (39%) there was a protocol for referral of children with growth retardation. Height for age was mostly used as a referral criterion. Sixteen countries (45%) reported having a guideline in secondary health care for diagnostic work-up. Although all countries agreed on having biochemical, radiological and/or genetic tests in the diagnostic work-up, there was a wide variety of recommended tests. Conclusions: There is little consensus on referral criteria and diagnostic work-up of children with short stature among industrialized countries. There is a need to establish evidence-based guidelines. © Freund Publishing House Ltd., London.
Subject
Health
Children
Diagnosis
Growth disorders
International
Screening
Child health care
Childhood disease
Controlled study
Genetic predisposition
Geographic distribution
Growth retardation
Laboratory diagnosis
Major clinical study
Monitoring
Patient referral
Population distribution
Practice guideline
Questionnaire
Risk factor
Screening test
Short stature
Statistical analysis
Statistical significance
urinalysis
Body Height
Child
Growth
Growth Disorders
Humans
Internationality
Monitoring, Physiologic
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http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:647b714b-5f24-4cec-b774-df30b546f291
TNO identifier
238785
ISSN
0334-018X
Source
Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, 18 (11), 1031-1038
Document type
article